The pen in the hand of the officer paused, and he seemed to glance up unintentionally at Ivy, who was earnestly trying to recall the events.
âIs that right? From what Iâve gathered, not everyone shares your view. According to the crewâs statements, it looks like Dianaâs. popularity has been on thé rise, perhaps even eclipsing yours. They suspect that maybe, out of fear of being overshadowed, you lashed out at Giselle. Itâs possible, isnât it?â
Ivy flashed a sardonic smile. âIf thatâs what they think, thatâs their problem. Does that necessarily prove that I feel the same way? Iâm just a newcomer. There are plenty of stars bigger than me in showbiz. If I worried about all that, how would I have the peace of mind to act? Iâd think solving a case wouldnât rely entirely on guesswork, right?â
The officer nodded, finding her argument reasonable.
The remaining questions were fairly standard, and Ivy answered them truthfully.
âOur work here is done. Youâre free to go and wait for the outcome.â
After the interview, Ivy was about to leave when one of the female officers who had been taking her statement stopped her. âIs there something else?â Ivy asked.
The policewoman gave an apologetic smile. âIâm sorry if my colleagueâs line of questioning was a bit offensive. Iâve seen that popular snippet of your performance, and I personally really enjoy your acting.
I hope you keep your passion and continue to pursue your craft.â
Ivy hadnât expected to encounter a fan in the police station. The feeling of being targeted earlier vanished without a trace. She returned the smile, âThank you for your support. Like I said before, acting is what I care about, bringing characters to life is my focus. Iâll keep working hard. Goodbye.â
âGoodbye.â
Ivy exhaled a sigh of relief. She had provided all she knew to the police and trusted that they would give her a fair response.
On her way back, Ivy passed the bookstore where she had been kidnapped. Now, the entire downtown area had done away those cramped, dim alleyways, and the tall wall that had once obstructed them was demolished.
âIt looks like Balfour.â
While Ivy was listlessly taking in the scenery, she didnât expect to see a familiar figure across the street.
More importantly, he was with another woman-Giselle, the very person Ivy suspected was behind her troubles.
The man had left right after lunch without saying where he was going, and now here he was on a date with Giselle?
with Ivy averted her gaze, realizing why he had been reluctant to tell her. Probably afraid sheâd intrude on their intimate little world.
Watching them enter the restaurant they had just visited, Ivy thought she was the special one for Balfour, but it turned out that he had already âchecked inâ with Giselle behind her back.
Perhaps she was just a guinea pig to see if the restaurant was any good.
Ivyâs mood darkened, a sense of loss hard to describe.
Just before, Balfour had said he believed her, and she thought he would stay with her and help her prove her innocence!
But then he turned around and went on a date with Giselle.
In his heart, her reputation wasnât as important as a date with Giselle.
The two entered the restaurant with laughter and conversation, and Giselleâs smiling face was particularly grating to Ivy.
For a moment, she fantasized that Balfour would turn around and notice her.
What kind of face would Balfour make if he saw her?